Employment minister Chris Grayling claimed talk of Mr Foxâs sexuality was âwild gossipâ following reports a âyoung male friendâ was staying with him when his London flat was burgled last year.

At the time, Conservative aides told the media Dr Fox was alone. But he confirmed he gave the full facts to police after the raid and said he was âappalled at being portrayed as having something to hideâ.

He denied the unnamed guest was Adam Werritty, as Mr Grayling leapt to his cabinet colleagueâs defence.

âLiam and his wife have always struck me as being very happily married,â he said. âIf you look around Westminster village, you will find all kinds of wild gossip about individuals. That doesnât mean they are not good at their jobs.â

As questions continue to mount over the nature of Dr Foxâs relationship with Mr Werritty â whom he met on at least 40 occasions in the past year, including 18 foreign trips â the prime minister called for patience as an inquiry into the matter continues.

He added: âIn the end, it is for the prime minister to decide whether someone keeps their job or not.â